Urban vineyards that still survive in various Italian cities and around the world are a cultural, historical, and biodiversity treasure. They are living testaments to ancient times when gardens and vineyards opened up green spaces in the dense fabric of medieval cities. The wines produced from them today often come from ancient grape varieties.

In 2019, the Urban Vineyards Association was founded. It is now led by Italian president Nicola Purrello, who manages an urban vineyard in Catania at the foot of Mount Etna. The association is currently working on a global registry and expects to identify 157 urban vineyards by the end of the year, all located within the municipal boundaries of major cities across 35 countries.